¡¡Holly pushed again, harder. The flow was thick at first, a roiling mass of blue streaks; then, as her magic ebbed, the flow grew weaker.

Mulch poked his head round the refrigerator door.

‘Understood,’ responded Holly from her position above the Spiro Needle. ‘How many hostiles?’

‘Don’t worry. I’m not a messy eater.’

‘He’s right,’ added Foaly. ‘I never thought I would say this, but I kinda like the new model.’

‘Don’t play the innocent, Artemis. I’ve called a few of my law-enforcement contacts around Europe. Apparently you have been active in my absence. Very active.’

Artemis pointed the sensor at the handset. The screen instantly displayed an image of the mobile phone’s workings.